Airbus to trial Neste’s renewable diesel on ro-ro ship

European aerospace major Airbus has initiated an 18-month trial run for the usage of renewable fuel on one of its ro-ro vessels.

PHOTO: Renewable diesel stem supplied to Airbus’ Ciudad de Cadiz. Airbus

The test campaign, which was launched at the end of December, will see Airbus’ ro-ro vessel, Ciudad de Cadiz, bunkered with renewable diesel produced in Rotterdam by Finnish oil refining company Neste.

Renewable diesel fuel comprises Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is generally made from vegetable oils, grease waste, and residues from the agriculture and food industry.

France-based Louis Dreyfus Armateurs’ operated Ciudad de Cadiz will be used to carry aircraft parts between Airbus production sites on the Saint-Nazaire-Tunis-Naples-Saint-Nazaire route.

Airbus anticipates a third of the total fuel (around 330 mt) used to be renewable diesel during the 18-month trial run. The company claims that this will result in a reduction in carbon emissions by up to 20% per trip compared to conventional fuels. It further claims that on this route, in a year, it aims to save around 6,000 mt of CO2.

The trial run will enable Airbus to evaluate the efficiency of renewable diesel in reducing emissions and its impact on the vessel’s engine.

Renewable diesel, biofuels and biofuel blends have been gaining traction as shipowners pursue their decarbonization goals.

This month, Brazilian oil and gas company Petrobras said that it will be testing blends of biodiesel and conventional oil-based fuels on ships over the coming months.

By Tuhin Roy

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